Arcee strolled down the halls, looking up occasionally from her list. She frowned thoughtfully, one servo on her hip while she stared upward at the sky. Her optics narrowed in concentration when she could not find what she was looking for.

She soon made her way up a thin stairwell, her pedesteps making light sounds as she climbed the stone stairs. The dim light cast shadows around her as she made her way to the small ledge. Once on the ledge, she leaned against the balcony, frowning as she looked upward.

Her frown deepened as she continued her search before she let out a frustrated sigh. She glanced back down at her datapad before turning around sharply and making her way back down. Her steps ended when she soon found herself standing in front of a tall, intimidating mech who's back was turned to her. Arcee tapped her fingers on her arm, waiting patiently. Soon, the mech at the computer stopped his typing and slowly turned to look at her, masked helm cocked to regard her.

"So, was it you, or Megatron who removed the wire from the balcony?" she asked, her voice disgruntled.

Soundwave merely looked away, going back to his work as if he was already bored with the conversation. His silence was answer enough.

She sighed in annoyance. "Primus Soundwave, I'm not a sparkling anymore! Stop taking down my zipline!"

"Stop taking down my zipline!" her voice complained back, but more high pitched than necessary.

She frowned. "I do not sound like that, and I am not throwing a tantrum if that is what you are implying. But I have had more experience in ziplining and rock climbing then a seeker does with flying. You know I can handle myself, so please keep your servos off of my stuff...again. I know how to handle myself and you know I am not careless."

"Careless," Soundwave said.

She couldn't help but grin. "It's not as intense as what I have done before. Really Soundwave, I am offended that you think I do not know how to handle such a simple activity."

Soundwave did not stop his typing, but the slight tilt of his helm informed her that he was still listening.

"I am insulted," she continued with a dismissive snort. "That you think I do not know how to handle a measly zipline." She shrugged, spinning on her heel and walking away. "Please do not take it down for the next few vorns," she said. "I am in need of its use, and it would be quite embarrassing if I did not have it ready when I need it."

It was not like she was truly annoyed. Sure, it was extra work to find the right equipment again, and to set up the zipline. But the extra work gave her something to do, aside from sitting at her desk and going over paperwork that did not need to be filled out until later.

As she worked, the clanking sound of metal and gear filling her audio receptors, she could not help but wonder what Bumblebee was doing. Most likely, he was getting ready for his travel to Kaon. Rooms and been set up for the Autobots long before she and the other Decepticons had arrived back from their trip in Iacon. She had no doubt that Megatron and the others would retain their calm and intimidating air for Elita-One and the Autobot Selected when they finally arrived. She also figured that Starscream was shrieking out his orders as well in an attempt to look superior and practice his authority among the Decepticon workers.

She could not help but snort. It irked her to no end that a mech like Starscream knew who the Autobot Heir was while that knowledge was withheld from her. If Starscream had not been near the front lines with Shockwave when Megatron had come crawling back with her in his arms, then Starscream would never have been let in on such important information. Neither would Shockwave for that matter. She knew Megatron valued their skills and abilities to the Decepticon cause, but she also knew that he did not trust them.

Another thing that irked her were the subtle comments Starscream would drop about her Autobot lineage. Yes, she was aware that Megatron had found her on Autobot territory, and yes, she was aware that she had once had an Autobot carrier and sire. But she was also aware that it had been Megatron who had pulled her from the rubble and and held her close to his spark. It had been that uncharacteristic act of kindness that had saved her, and possibly saved Cybertron as well.

So yes, Starscream liked to use whatever leverage he thought he had, but he had come to realize that he had no leverage on her. Revealing to everyone that she was the Heir would earn him a blaster bolt in the helm by either Soundwave or Megatron, depending on who could shoot the fastest.

Her money was on Megatron.

She let out a huff as she stepped onto the ledge to reach the hook that was just out of her reach. She cursed her shortness once more as she stretched to reach the hook, a satisfying 'click' causing her to let out a sigh of relief. She dared not look down to the open plains below her as the wind tugged at her. Heights did not frighten her, but she knew full well what she was doing was foolish, as she had no safety harness should she slip and fall.

After hours of work and dashing around, she surveyed her work with a satisfied nod, a small smile on her face. Yes, she was confident Bumblebee would be busy with the activities she had planned out. He wanted to be entertained, so she got her entertainment all ready.

She just hoped Bee wasn't terrified of heights.

Bumblebee whistled as he glanced at the notes in his servos. "Yesh, that's a lot of records."

Red Alert laughed. "Yes, they are. You'd be surprised the amount of junk Ratchet sends me." Her optics twinkled. "Too bad he's not going with you to Kaon. I'll be stuck with the grumpy old medic as my company."

Bumblebee frowned. "You are not coming with us?" he asked.

She shook her helm. "No, I am staying here in Iacon to keep an optic on things." She grinned. "Commander's orders."

During the war for Cybertron, Elita-One had an elite group of femmes that were still active even after the war. Chromia and Red Alert were one of the many femmes still a part of that group, and as Elita-One was going to Kaon with the Selected Autobots, Bumblebee had assumed that Red Alert would follow her Commander as well. Optimus was staying in Iacon while Elita oversaw the events in Kaon, and Chromia was going as well to assist.

"But it will give me some time to sort through some personal problems," Red Alert continued. "I actually opted to stay behind."

It was in that moment that his optics were drawn to a certain object on her shelf. "This is new," he said, pointing to the orange, glass flower.

Red Alert smiled. "Yes, it is," she said softly.

Bumblebee frowned as he stared at the delicate work of art. "Is that your reason for staying behind?"

Red Alert frowned. "I need to focus on taking care of myself first before dealing with anything else. I need to sort out what I am going through." She sighed, placing the datapads down and leaning heavily into her desk a she gripped the edge. "A lot happened between us during the war. Trust was broken, and I felt...I felt betrayed. But there were moments when I dared to believe that not all was lost, and it left me delusioned." She looked up, staring at nothing as she got lost in her memories. "I never stopped loving him, and I acknowledged that, but I also knew that I had to look out for myself." She looked at Bumblebee. "Taking down those barriers and healing the wounds we both inflicted on each other is going to take time." She smiled as she gazed at the glass object. "But this shows that he is willing to reach out and make an effort to restart what we once had. I am more then willing to meet him there."

Bumblebee smiled as he stared at her. "Good for you," he said softly.

"Life is short," she continued. "I would rather have another try at love, rather than lying on my death bed wondering what I could have done differently."

He stared at her before looking back down. "Right," he said softly.

She looked up at him with a smile. "Don't you have to get ready for the trip?"

He shrugged. "I packed early, so I have some time to kill." He looked up with a faint smile. "I won't see this place for a while, and I want to make my rounds."

She grinned. "Oh Bumblebee, the documents will still be here in many numbers for you when you get back."

"That is why I am visiting the gardens and the race track before I leave," he said with a smirk as he slipped out of the room with a laugh.

Red Alert watched him leave, a faint smile on her face. She stared once more at the orange glass flower, another piece added to her growing collection. She could tell that a lot of care and effort had went into creating each and every piece, and she felt her spark pick up a bit every time she was reminded of who made them.

She loved, she truly did. She could still remember when she had been a young nurse, and he an ambitious mech that everyone regarded with wariness. She had been drawn in by his ideals and ambition, and they frequently created the time to be together. It had been enough for her.

Then she had received the glass flowers, and her femme friends and squealed over the idea of a secret admirer. But for her, the admirer was not so secret. She had known who it was the moment she saw the flower. What she couldn't photom was why someone would spend such tiring effort and time to create such a beauty for her.

He made her feel wanted and cherished. He made her feel emotions she had never felt before. And she had done the same with him. She had awakened his emotions, something he had assumed he had blocked off long ago.

She carefully opened one of the drawers in her desk and picked a small object out of the drawer with delicate ease. Picking up a cloth, she gently wrapped the fragile object up, her smile faint as she was lost in memory.

A knock on her office door pulled her from her thoughts, and she looked up to see Elita-One enter the room. The pink femme smiled at her friend. "Red Alert," Elita greeted.

Red Alert smiled, rising from her seat. "Commander," she said. "I have the reports ready for you."

Elita nodded. "I knew you would." She sighed as she examined the work Red Alert presented her with. "Primus, these things never end."

Red Alert grinned. "Might I suggest a break in your routine?"

Elita did not glance up. "A secret femme's night out sounds splendid, if only I did not have to leave today."

Red Alert suppressed a chuckle, feeling like a young femme once more. "When you get back, then." She took in a deep breath, catching her Commander's attention. "I have a favor to ask of you."

Elita-One cocke dher helm as Red Alert handed her the carefully wrapped object. "Will you deliver this for me?" she asked.

Elita smiled in understanding as she stared at the wrapped object. "Of course, Red Alert. You can count on me to see this through."

Bumblebee soon saw Moonracer up ahead, leaning against the wall with her helm down. The shadows around her cast a gloomy look over her form, and the apprehension on her face did little to ease that uncertain aura around her.

Bumblebee was once again reminded of how plagued Moonracer had looked before. He had not spoken with her after that, and it had been three days. But he had caught a glimpse of her in the courtyards just the other day. She had been walking with Mirage, and she seemed somewhat better, but still a little worried.

Bumblebee made his presence known by clearing his throat. Moonracer looked up, optics snapping to attention. He smiled brightly at her in an attempt to put her at ease, noting how stiff and worried she looked. "Hey Moony," he greeted happily, approaching her.

She relaxed somewhat, her folded arms slacking a bit. "Hey Bee," she said softly. "How've you been?"

He shrugged, leaning against the wall right next to her, their shoulders nearly touching. "Busy," he replied. "I'm all set for Kaon though. How about you?"

She glanced down. "Yeah, I'm set for Kaon as well." She avoided his gaze though, and he noticed how she let out a shuddering breath, as if she was about to break down and lose control of her emotions.

He tried not to show his sudden alarm, and he hoped such a reaction was not clear on his face. "Moony," he started, a note of worry escaping into his tone, much to his annoyance. "What is it?"

She swallowed. "Bee, nothing...nothing will change, right?"

He blinked. "After the Selection? No, nothing will change," he promised. "Nothing can change our friendship. You've been my closest friend, Moonracer, and I could never see myself ruining that."

He did not see the rueful smile on her face. "Even if...something were to drastically change?" she asked.

He tilted his helm, feeling his spark thud painfully. He felt woefully unprepared, like he was heading into battle without weapons. "What do you mean?" he asked.

"Have you ever considered dropping out?" she asked suddenly.

He paused for a moment. "Um, not until recently," he confessed. "But, to be honest, I do not think I have the strength to make such a drastic decision."

"So what does that mean for me?" he heard her whisper faintly.

It suddenly clicked for him. He stared down at her, grateful that she could not see the shock on his face as she avoided his gaze. "Are...are you considering dropping out?" he asked, his voice hoarse.

She shifted a bit, but her silence was all the answer he needed.

He took in a deep breath, feeling the shock ebb away ever so slightly, but it was still there as he found himself faced with uncertainty. "May I ask why?" he asked, hoping he didn't sound acusseing.

She swallowed, finally looking up at him with determination alight in her optics. "I found someone, Bee. I found someone who I want to be my sparkmate. I cannot ignore it anymore, I cannot lie to myself what I feel, or what we have." She took in a deep breath. "Nor can I ignore the future we could possibly build together."

He tried to calm himself down, to think logically as he stared at his friend. Thrust in the face with this revelation, he could barely gather his thoughts together to make sense of it all. "Are...are you even sure he's not using you?" he found himself asking. He then winced, knowing how bad that sounded.

Her optics hardened. "He hardly needs to use anyone, Bee," she said scathingly. "And yes, I am certain he is not using me." She looked away. "We have known eachother for years, but I never...we never thought that things would turn out like this."

Bumblebee desperately wanted to do something, anything to get this pent up energy out of his system. He felt a sting of betrayal as her words finally reached him. Years? She had known this mech for years and she had not told him? Did Moonracer not trust him with such information?

Arcee suddenly came to mind, and he felt a sting of guilt. He had not told anyone about his feelings, he had not confided in anyone like Moonracer was confiding in him now. So who was he to stay angry and feel betrayal? Was he not doing the same thing to her?

"So he feels the same?" he asked softly, pushing past his raging emotions.

She smiled once more, her whole exterior lighting up. "Yes," she said. "Yes, he does." She wrapped her arms around herself. "At first, he pushed me away, afraid that I would lose my inheritance. He even told me not to drop out, as he knows how much I love politics." She grinned. "But if I can have him as my sparkmate, then I will gladly work for my position in the reformed Cybertronian government."

"I do not think you need to worry about fighting tooth and nail for such a seat," he said, already working out plans to make such the effort easier for her in the Senate. "Does...does this mech of yours have a name?" he asked.

She looked up at him, unbelievable hope and joy in her optics as she gazed at him. Her expression was one of disbelief and relief, and he felt the twang of guilt again as he remembered that feeling of betrayal that had unrighteously wormed its way into his spark.

"Thank you, Bumblebee," she said, her voice a whisper. "Thank you." She closed her optics in relief. "I thought...I was worried that you would...you would be angry."

"It is not uncommon for others to step out of the Selection," Bumblebee said hurriedly. Best to not tell her how he really felt about this news. He did not want an outburst to ruin his friendship, like his outburst had nearly ruined his friendship with Arcee.

"But you felt betrayed," she noted quietly.

Primus, how was it that she could see right through him? Or was he really that easy to read? He was ready to outright deny it, to lie to her face and avoid what he saw as trouble, but he stopped. Moonracer was looking up at him with earnest optics, asking him for the truth. He let out a breath. "Yes, Moony, yes I did. But I have no right to feel like that," he confessed.

"I didn't tell you," she said softly

"Should you have?" he asked, rubbing the back of his helm in discomfort. "It was not my place to know, but I am...I am grateful that you told me." He stared at her. "Are you sure about this though? I'm worried, Moonracer. You don't know the possible outcomes."

"No one ever does," she said. "But am I going to abandon love and a possible future with the mech I want to share my life with, just because I am uncertain or because someone says it will not happen?" She shook her helm. "I found love, Bee. And yes, it is love that I feel," she stated at his surprised look. "I love him, and I will not let Optimus Prime, or anyone else decide my fate, or who I am to mate with. I know who I want, and I know who I deserve." Her optics narrowed. "I am willing to fight for the life that I want."

He swallowed, unfamiliar feelings rising up. "How can you be so sure?" he asked.

"I love him," she repeated. "Because I would do anything for him. He makes me happy, Bee. He really makes me happy." She smiled. "I never felt like that before. All I can think about is our future together and how he treats me. He is so awkward and confident, that it honestly just works for him." Her optics shone. "He...loves me enough to distance himself so that he does not ruin my life. But the only life I want is one with him."

She was choosing a life, a life she wanted. She was seizing the moment, an opportunity, and she was not letting it go. She had the courage to do so, to step out and declare to the world her decisions. The mech who she had chosen, was a lucky mech indeed to have such a strong femme.

"Can I at least meet him?" Bumblebee asked finally, thinking of this unknown mech whom he had just heard about.

She giggled, relaxed at once at his hopeful voice and guarded expression. "Later, I promise." She looked up at him and gently touched his face, before standing on the tips of her pedes to kiss his cheek softly. "Thank you, Bee," she said, her voice shaking, yet full of joy. "Thank you for being there for me, and for understanding." She stared into his optics. "I love you, and I hope you realize that. But I also want you to realize that you have a choice as well, and that you do not need to let your own opportunity slip you by." She gave him a grin, as if she knew a secret. "I see how you look at her, Bee, and I urge you to express your feelings to her before it's too late and doom yourself to regret your hesitation for the rest of your life. I have found my happiness, now I want you to find yours."

"You know what you have to do, right?" Sides asked.

Smokescreen rolled his optics, resisting the urge to growl. "Yes! You want me to keep an optic on our two lovebirds. Now let me go! I'm going to be late for the ship to Kaon!"

"Do you know what to do to create a romantic scenery?" Sunny asked worriedly, still gripping Smokescreens arm.

Smokescreen gave a firm tug, attempting to break free from the golden twin. "Yes! You two are making this love business much more complicated than what it really is!"

"Maybe we should book some tickets to Kaon," Sides said to his twin thoughtfully. "I do not think Smokey is ready for the next phase in his training. After all, it is only right that his masters of love accompany him."

Sunny nodded in agreement. "I believe you are right, brother."

"Let me go!" Smokescreen finally growled, a dangerous aura surrounding him as he glared menacingly at the Twins. "Now!"

It took Bumblebee a while to sort out his thoughts and emotions. The words that were spoken to him for the past few days came back at him, each with a different emotion. It took him a while to realize that what he was feeling was enviness towards Moonracer. She had the courage to step out and pursue her love, she had the insight to identify what she was feeling, she she felt so sure in what she felt.

He did not have such luxury.

Too much was riding on him to drop out of the Selection. He was the Heir and could not simply drop out! It didn't work that way for him.

But Moonracer was dead set on being a Senator with her mate at her side. He frowned thoughtfully. Could he not do the same? Could he not remain the Heir, but with his own mate of his own choosing by his side? After all, she was a Decepticon.

This was dangerous thinking, and he was aware of that. But it was an alluring thought, and one that he dwelled and boded on for a while.

"Hey," Smokescreen said, tapping him on the shoulder. "You alright?" he asked.

Bumblebee nodded. "Yeah, why?"

"You look like your brooding," the white mech commented.

"I am not brooding!" he defended. "Just...tired," he said. He glanced at Smokescreen with a raised optic ridge. The white mech had shown up in a mad dash at the ship, a bit late for docking, but he would not tell anyone what had delayed him. Bumblebee did not ask when he took one look at Smokescreens flustered and still angry appearance.

Smokescreen nodded and sat back while Moonracer glanced at him worriedly. He knew what she was thinking, and how she was possibly wondering if his sudden attitude had anything to do with her. In a way, she was right, but just not in the way she was thinking.

He slumped in his seat, not ready to face the awaiting crowd in Kaon.

When they landed, a large crowd was waiting for them, just as he had predicted. Megatron was at the front of the group with his own selected senators and with the Selected Decepticons behind him. The Decepticon leader looked intimidating, demanding strength from where he stood, his crimson optics gleaming. Elita-One strode forward, helm held high as she greeted the Decepticon leader, ever the diplomat. The two standing together created quite the contrast, yet they both radiated awe and splendor with their presence.

Bumblebee's gaze was drawn to a certain, petite blue femme who was standing rigidly in the crowd. He looked away, hoping his face revealed nothing that he wished to hide.

Soon, the crowds dispersed and Bumblebee found himself stumbling to make sense of where he was in the jostling crowd. He should not be losing his composer now! Why was this happening? Was it because she was here now and his thoughts were scrambled because of that? He stopped suddenly when he found himself gazing into the bright optics of the femme of his thoughts, and everything came to a halt for him.

She smiled warmly at him. "So happy you could come, Bumblebee," she greeted.

He found himself smiling, resisting the urge to embrace her and hold her close. But it was harder to resist glaring at the mechs who stared at Arcee a bit longer than necessary. So instead, he focused on her, and how his spark picked up that now normal speed that made him feel warm and alive. "So happy to be here," he responded.